ART AND BEAUTY

Franck Montialoux and his husband Miguel lovingly restored this elegant manor house in Normandy, and filled it with pieces that reflect their love of antiques and portraiture

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At the end of a golden day in September, the stone houses of Mortagne-auPerche in Normandy, France, are bathed in the light of the setting sun, and antiques dealer Franck Montialoux isfor the first time - about to cross the threshold of the house that will steal his heart.

The building in question is an elegant old manoir in the heart of the village, built by the 19th-century novelist and playwright Charles Mérouvel, and cloistered behind thick stone walls. I remember that first visit to the house,' recalls Franck. 'I was on my own that day as my husband Miguel had been held up, so I had to bring a tablet to film the visit for him.' Despite its cluttered interior, and walls and floors that were in desperate need of restoration, both Franck and Miguel could immediately see the potential of the house and made an offer, which was accepted.